A Weekly Podcast for Northeast Ohioans

Crooked River Cast is hosted by Robert and Tom

Two lifelong Northeast Ohioans bringing sharp commentary and dry humor to the region’s news, politics, and everyday absurdities. From the bizarre to the bureaucratic, they say what others won’t.

  • Crooked River Cast Show 31

    🍂🚽 ⚖️ From Leaves to Laws — Ohio’s Wild Week

    This week, Robert and Tom kick off the show with a seasonal debate: what exactly are we supposed to do with all these leaves? Somehow that talk spirals all the way into… toilets. Yep — leave it to these two to turn yard cleanup into plumbing philosophy. 😆

    But once the laughter settles, they dig into a full slate of Ohio news — from the third week of the federal shutdown, to the state’s budget crunch, Delta-8 drama, a new added topic 🔦 “Spotlight Ohio,” and a few Good Things that remind us not everything’s gone to the dogs (well, except maybe in a good way 🐶).


    ⚠️ Shutdown Week Three

    Another week, another round of gridlock. As the government shutdown stretches into its third week, frustration grows nationwide — from delayed paychecks to halted services. The guys break down who’s feeling it most and what’s really behind the stalemate.


    🕊️ Could There Be Peace in the Middle East?

    A rare moment of optimism as talks of peace in the Middle East resurface. Robert and Tom discuss whether it’s genuine progress or just another diplomatic dance.
    🎧 Clip aired during the show.


    💸 Ohio’s Budget Blues

    Ohio’s finances are looking rough. Reports show the state doesn’t have enough money to pay its bills — yet more tax credits for businesses were approved. Meanwhile, JobsOhio’s funding continues to rise even as job creation falls.


    👉 Ohio lacks the money to pay its bills – Ohio News
    👉 Ohio approves tax credits for private businesses – Ohio News
    👉 JobsOhio funding increases as job creation declines – Ohio News


    🔦 Spotlight Ohio: Old Mansfield Prison Tours

    October is prime time for chills — and not just from the weather. The guys shine the spotlight on the Old Mansfield Prison, home to legends, ghost tours, and film fame. Perfect for a spooky fall outing.


    👉 Ohio State Reformatory Preservation Society
    🎧 Clip featured in show.


    🔫 Second Amendment Update: Guns in Bars

    The Ohio Supreme Court is preparing to weigh in on whether firearms belong in establishments that serve alcohol. It’s a contentious case that could reshape the state’s gun landscape.


    👉 Ohio Supreme Court to rule on law over guns in bars
    🎧 Clip featured during the show.


    🥤 SNAP Restrictions and Additions

    New proposals aim to restrict what SNAP recipients can buy — including a possible ban on soda and sugary drinks. Critics say it unfairly targets low-income Ohioans, while supporters claim it’s about promoting health.


    👉 Ohio seeks ban on soda, sugary drink purchases through SNAP


    ⚖️ Delta-8 Ban Put on Pause

    A Franklin County judge has hit pause on Governor DeWine’s Delta-8 hemp ban, giving retailers and customers a temporary reprieve. The hemp haze continues in Ohio.


    👉 Judge issues order pausing DeWine’s intoxicating hemp ban – Ohio News
    🎧 Clip featured in the show.


    Intel vs. Meta: Power Struggle in Ohio

    Sen. Moreno wants Intel to share some of its electricity allocation with Meta to help power their massive data centers. Robert and Tom break down why this high-voltage drama might not be as simple as flipping a switch.


    👉 Ohio Sen. Moreno asks Intel to reassign some electricity to Meta
    🎧 Clip featured in show.


    👨‍👩‍⚕️ Parents, Records & the Ohio House

    Ohio lawmakers just passed a bill allowing parents to access their children’s medical and mental health records. Privacy advocates are uneasy, but supporters say it’s about transparency.


    👉 Ohio Republican Lawmakers Push for Parental Consent in Minors’ Mental Health Care
    👉 Ohio House overwhelmingly passes bill allowing parents to access child’s medical records


    🌍 State Takes Control of Carbon Capture

    The Ohio House approved a bill giving the state authority over carbon capture projects — a move with major environmental implications and industry interest.


    👉 House passes bill giving Ohio power to regulate carbon capture – Ohio News


    🕰️ Daylight Saving (or Savings?) Time

    Is it “Daylight Saving” or “Daylight Savings” Time? The guys settle the debate while reminding everyone: clocks fall back soon.


    👉 Daylight saving time: When do clocks fall back?


    🌟 Good Things

    🐶 Summit County Animal Shelter’s Barktober

    Summit County Animal Control is lowering dog adoption fees to just $28 this Barktober! Perfect timing to add a furry friend before winter.


    👉 Summit County Animal Control reduces adoption fees – Akron Beacon Journal


    🎖️ VA Honors Centenarian Veterans

    The Central Ohio VA hosted a special ceremony celebrating veterans over 100 years old — a touching reminder of dedication and longevity.


    👉 VA honors centenarian veterans in special ceremony – NBC4 WCMH-TV


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